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Astellas Supports the 2018 Warrior Games

Astellas Supports the 2018 Warrior Games

For the second consecutive year, Astellas employees used the company’s Volunteer Time Off program to volunteer at the 2018 Department of Defense (DoD) Warrior Games where Astellas also supported the event by providing meals for the athletes. More than 50 employees, family and friends gathered at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., and helped staff the information booth, access and family-point-of-contact areas and medal ceremonies to make the event as successful and rewarding as possible for athletes and their families.

Approximately 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans competed in 11 sports during this year’s Warrior Games, representing the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, and Special Operations Command. Athletes from the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada also were 2018 competitors. Teams included active-duty service members and a small number of veterans with upper-body, lower-body, and spinal cord injuries; traumatic brain injuries; visual impairment; serious illnesses; and post-traumatic stress.

“We anticipated an emotional and gratifying experience when we arrived in Colorado for the 2018 Warrior Games, and our time together far exceeded our expectations,” said Astellas Military Employee Resource Group (MERG) co-chair Stacie Cornfield, Sr. Exec. Rep., Hospital, and veteran of the Illinois Air National Guard. “We were excited to be part of this humbling and inspiring event.”

“Our support of the Warrior Games aligns with our Living Smart™ social responsibility platform to support our veterans and people with disabilities to lead more active, fulfilling lives,” said Collette Taylor, Astellas senior vice president, Human Resources and Facilities, and MERG executive sponsor. “Through our Military employee resource group’s commitment to veterans, they’ve worked to create the right environment at Astellas for these individuals to reach their full potential.”

Last March, the Defense Department honored Astellas with its top Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Award for its “exceptional support for national defense by adopting policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.” In addition to supporting the MERG, the company provides its military employees 10 days paid military leave for active service, and has an 11,000 square foot “Heroes Garden” at its headquarters.

Former marine, Regional Sales Manager, Hematology and MERG Co-Chair Matt Mercer captured sentiments shared by the large Astellas team at the Warrior Games: “The past two days have been extraordinary and unforgettable. We will return to Astellas with gratitude for the opportunity to interact with these amazing athletes and their families, and with a renewed purpose to support active service members and veterans.”